Curtain stretcher



4 Sheets-Sheet 1 OOOooooooocoKoL-ooooooooooooooooooooouooq 1g E NN May31, 1949.

Filed Sept. 21, 1945 May 31, 1949. J. J. DvoRAK CURTAIN STRETCHER Filedsept. 21, 1945 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 May 31, 1949. 1.1. DVORAK 2,471,943

CURTAIN STRETCHER Filed spt. 21, 1945 4 sheets-sheet s V K l@ 1 JUL/emrz/mes rZ'yUl-'H/r 1 J. J. DVQRAK CURTAIN STRETGHER May 3l, 1949.

4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Sept. 21, 1945 if 77 7g X52 'tate the attachmentof the Patented May 31, 1949 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CURTAINSTRETCHER "James J. `bivorak,Chicago, Ill. Application September 21,1945, Serial No. 617,721

1G Claims.

tain stretchers `and adjustthe same to required sizes with only the useof scale markings on the frame members. A further inconvenience andobjection to the `use of the old type of curtain stretchers is thefactthat the end frame members overlap the horizontal frame members insuch a manner that the curtain stretching pins on said end andhorizontal members are disposed in different planes requiring `the endsof the curtains to be supported on pins which are` on a level differentfrom the level of the pins on which `the longitudinal edges `of thecurtains are engaged. The present invention pertains to a collapsibletype of curtain stretcher, primarily adapted for use by housewives or.in small establishments.

The curtain stretcher is simple and inexpensive and furthermore isdesigned and constructed with improvements for increasing theadaptability and eiiiciency thereof.

It is an object of this invention to provide a collapsible type of`curtain stretcher` of a minimum number of units adapted to be readilyassembled and sized.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a collapsible `type ofcurtain stretcher consisting of only three group units adapted to bereadily assembled and sized by means of a series of separatelyidentified fastener receiving openings to insure convenient and positivesizing of curtains. 1 Still another object of the invention is theprovision of a simplied and easily assembled `type of collapsible`curtain stretcher wherein the stretcher pin frame members are adaptedto be assembled to position al1 of the stretcher pins in the same plane.

It is furthermore an object of the invention to provide a collapsibletype of curtain stretcher including anend lframe member which carriesspring controlled frictionally contacting pin-carrying blocks adapted tobe swung collectively or `individually into and out of stretchingposition toy position the stretcher pins for said end member in theplane of the pin members of the remaining frame members of the 'curtainstretcher.

Still another objectof the invention is to provide a collapsible type ofcurtain stretcher consisting of onlythree easel units one` of which isadapted to be set up to be self-supporting to faciliremaining two `easelunits thereto. l l

- It is an important object of this` invention to provide an adjustabletype of curtain stretcher wherein` `the stretcher pins of the framemembers are all adapted to be positioned in the same plane, and whereinthere is always a pin in each corner of the frame for all sizes to whichthe curtain stretching frame may be adjusted.

Still another important object of the invention is the provision of acollapsible type of curtain stretcher including a middle or intermediateeasel unit adapted to be self-supporting and to which the `upper andlower frame members are permanently but adjustably afxed.

An important feature of the invention is the construction of a fiat typeof curtain stretcher including an end `frame unit wherein a rowrof`stretcher pin carrying blocks are spring pressed into` frictionalengagement with one another, on a common control which is operable formoving the blocks collectivelyfinto position to position the block pinsin the same plane as the stretcher pins of the remainingmembers ofthevcurtain stretcher frame. o o l o Still another object of theinvention isothe provision of an improved and simplified form o fcollapsible curtain stretcher consisting of three frame forming units,the assembly means for whi-ch are permanently attached thereto and areadjustable for assemblingthe frame units into desired different sizes tofacilitate the stretching of( curtains of different` sizes.

`An important featureof `the invention is the construction of anadjustable and collapsible type of curtain stretcher wherein thestretcher pins of the frame membersare all adapted to be disposed in thesame plane `including corner pins, and wherein the frame is adapted tobe adjusted to predetermined sizes by positive and properly identifiedmeans registering with receiving holes or recesses whereby the properholes for the correct sizing of the stretcher frame maybe quickly andpositively selected.

Another important feature` of the` invention is the provision ofacollapsible type of `curtain stretcher consisting of only three easelsupported units, provided with rows `of properly identified sizedetermining recesses for selectively receiving frame bolting or`securing means whichare permanently identified with the curtainstretcher forming units. o l, Still another object of the invention isto provide a curtain stretcher wherein a self-supporting intermediateunit permanently and adjustably carries the upper and lower framemembers to facilitate `the fquick and easy setting up of the curtainstretcher frame by attaching` end units in such a manner that thestretcher pins are all disposed in the same plane and` wherein cornerpins are always provided in all size setupsof the curtain stretcher.`Another important object of the invention is toprovide a quick set uptype of collapsible curtain stretcher,` wherein the stretching of`curtains 3 of different sizes is adapted to be accomplished by theadjustment of a lower horizontal frame unit with respect to an upperhorizontal frame unit and by the adjustment f en @mi unit which carriesa row of pin earrying keys provided with identified sizing means forattachment to the horizontal frame units when the pin carrying keys areretracted, said keys adapted to be simultaneously moved into curtainstretching position. with the exception of `certain pin carrying heyswhich are restrained from being moved by the positioning of the lowerhorizontal frame member.

For the attainment lof the foregoing nd other objects `and. advantages,-the invention preferably consists in the details of construction and thearrangement and combination of the parts to be hereinafter more fullydescribed and claimed, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

On the drawings:

Figure 1 is a front elevational view of the improved curtain stretcher,partly broken away, but set up for use and illustrating .the positioningof two'of the frame members in dotted lines with respect to theremaining two frame members to illustrate the assembly of the stretcherframe for the stretching of curtains of ditferent sizes;

Figure 2 is -a front elevational View of the iniddle or intermediateself-supporting curtain stretcher unit, with the upper 'and lowerhorizontal frame members illustrated in collapsed position on theintermediate supporting standard, and furthermore illustrating in dottedlines the positioning of the upper and lower horizontal vframe membersin extended position to permit the end frame units to 'be attachedthereto; l

Figure 3 is aside elevational view lof the main or intermediate curtainstretcher unit, in the collapsed ior-'m illustrated in Figure 2, andhaving the rear easel leg egtended into bracing position i0 Support. theubit! Figure 4 is a fragmentary front elevational view of the right-handside er the curtain. stretcher with the @ad frame. membelfieoved.inwardly from the ends of the yhoiiz'eriijfal frame members, and,illstraiins'ihe Qui-Pf-.iliefvay ppiiien Qf the ein carrying keys dottedlines ab@ elseshowing 'the keys moved yinto full line curtain stretchingposition after the end members are bolted into] place, with the lowerhorizontal frame member acting as Stop t0 caus tra 0i the piri'arrying'ters' i@ be retained in open or retracted position to permit thefastening means to be Aengaged in predetermined holes in the right-handend member vand in the lower horizontal frame member to permitstretching of a curtain to a predetermined size;

Figure 5 isa vertical sectional view taken o n line V-V of Figure 4showing the easel brace leg of the right-hand frame member in open position;

Figure 6 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional detailed view taken online VI-VI of Figure 4 illustrating the spring compressed frictionalrelation-ship of therow of pin carrying blocks or. keys shownyassociated with the common control rod for simultaneously moving the`pin carrying keys into either open or closed position;

Figure 7 is an `enlarged fragmentary detail sectional view taken onlille VII-VTI of Figure `1 showing the connecting means at the upperleft hand corner` of` the curtain trame;

Figure 8 is an enlarged detail sectional View taken on line VIII-VIII ofFigure 1;

Figure 9 iS. an enlarged transverse [mail4 sectional. View haben 01.111.1.1@ of; Figure, 4 with all Qfitil pil?. @ami-Siles here in retractedor operi position such as shown in dotted lines in Figure 4 tofacilitate adjustment of the right end frame member and the lowerhorizontal frame member when the stretcher frame is being. sited:

Figure l0, is a similar enlarged transverse detail section taken on lineX-X of Figure 4 with substantially all of the keys moved into curtainstretching position with the exception of twokeys which are preventedfrom being moved by the adjusted position of the lower horizontal framemember;

Figure l1 `is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view of the upper cornerof `a modified form of curtain stretcher frame, wherein the frame memberclamping means are permanently carried by the frame members, and whereinthe openingsv for determining land adjusting .the size of the curtain`frame are in the top and side surfaces of the frame members instead ofthrough the front faces as described in connection with the form of curtain stretcher illustrated in Figures 1 to 10 inclusive;

Figure 12v is a fragmentary front elevational View of the portion of themodified form of curtain stretcher form illustrated in'Fig-ure 11;

Figure 13 is an enlarged fragmentary yfront elevational View of theupper right-hand corner of the modified form of curtain stretcher framewith parts broken away showing the right end member' moved inwardly fromthe right end of the upper frame member and held in Iplaceloy animproved clamping arrangement which is per'- manently carried by theright end frame member for coaction with sizing vholes mounted in thetop surface of the top frame member; said ligure also illustrates thevposition of the sizing holes 'in the right end member in substantiallythe same position as the holes rthrough the right end frame member ofthe preferred form of curtain stretcher fra-me illustrated in Figure i;

Figure 14 is a fragmentary top plan View of the portion of the modifiedform of curtain stretcher frame illustrated in Fig-ure 13;

Figure 15 is `a fragmentary transverse detail sectional view taken online XV-XV of Figure 13;

Figure 16 is an enlarged fragmentary front elevational view ofthe lowerright-hand'corner of the modified form 'of curtainstretcher frame withthe right end frame member moved inwardly from the end ofthe lower framemember, and also illustrating a clampinger securing bracket permanentlycarried by the `right end frame mem.- -ber for coaction with receivingopenings in the lower face of the bottom lframe member;

Figure 17 'is a fragmentary sectional view of the modified form of frametaken on line XVII-XVII of Figure 16; and

Figure 18 is a fragmentary transverse sectional View taken on lineXVIII-XVIII of Figure 16.

As shown on the drawings:

The improved collapsible type of curtain stretcher of this invention isadapted to be quick- 1y and easily Set 11p by the average housewife oruser and is designed to conveniently have the stretcher frame portionthereofquickly and :ac-Vv .curately assembled, by positive .sizing meanspermitting adjustment of the fram-e for stretching curtains yof anydesired size within the prescribed limits of the frame.

The improved curtain stretcher consists of only three units, which mayeither removably vor permanently carry securing means for the quick 4andaccurater :assembly of the curtain stretcher.L The three curtainstretcher units are. ofa type whereamr-i943 in the members, lconstituting the same, may `be easily collapsed to permit `the unit tobe assembled in compact'formifor storage or for placement in a storageor shipping: container.

l The curtain stretcher comprises a main or intermediate unit, a leftend unit` and a right end unit. The main oir-intermediate unit is oi theself-supporting type and comprises amain sup `porting .bar or standard`I having along longitudinally disposed slot 2 provided therein.Rigi-dly secured on the lower end ofthe standard I, by `means of boltsor other suitable fastening means, isa supporting `foot 3, in the formof a plate, the ends of which project beyond opposite sides of thestandard I to serve as a supporting .baseifor the standard. Rigicllysecured onthe. :back` of the upper portion of the s-tandard I is achannelshaped metal bracket 1I having engaged between the oppositeflanges or blades thereof the `upper chamfered end of an easel leg 5.The standard 1I, together with the leg 5,\form a self-supporting `easelon which the upper 'and lower curtain stretcher frame members larepermanently and adjustably engaged. Whenv the self-supporting. easel isopened the leg 5 is swung rearwar-dly into the inclined position shownin Figure 3 until the chamfered upper end of lthe leg engages flatlyagainst the back surface ofthe upper portion of the standard I` therebymaking lthe intermediat-e unit of the curtain stretcherself-supporting.`

The stretcher frame vcomprises a lower frame section, an upper framesection, a left end section and a right end section. The lower framesection is adjustably or slidably supported on the low-er portion of theslotted standard I by means of a wing bolt 6 which projects through theslot 2 and through a lower frame hinge mechanism comprising a main hingeplate I of substantially trianuglar for-m having the lower portionthereof bent to form a receiving channel 8. Pivotally supported on thewing bolt B to the front side of the hinge plate I is an auxiliary hingeplatei-l the lower end of which is bent outwardly to provide asupporting flange I0.

The lower frame section or unit comprises two lower frame bars Il and I2yconstructed of wood or other suitable material each of which is cut outor milled to provide a stretcher pin carrying groove I3. The inner endof the lower frame bar II extends approximately half way into .thereceiving channel 8 of the hinge member 1 and is secured to` said hingeplate I by means of bolts I 4; The inner end of the lower frame bar I2.extends approximately half way in'to the receiv- .ing channel il ofhinge member 'I and is secured to said hinge plate 9 by means of boltsI5. When the two lower frame bars :II and I2 are in their lowerpositions, to form the bottom of the curtain stretcher frame, .the innerend of the `frame bar `I2 projects into the hinge `channel v3 and isaligned with the inner end of the frame bar II as clearly illustratedinFigure 1, and said bars by means iof the channel 8 are adapted to be`rigidly held in aligned position at a set of predetermined selectedheight from the bottom of, the standard I by sliding Ithe bolt IB 'intoa desired position on said standard and then tightening `the bolt ii tohold the lower frame member in a selected position. Each of the lowerframe bars `:II and I2 is provided with an angle-shaped bracket I6 toserve as receiving brackets for the Vreception of upperfrarne members,when the middle curtain stretcher unit is collapsed as hereinafter morefully described,

llior the purpose of ,quickly1v and accurately measuring the lengthofcurtainswhich are to be stretched, each ofthe lower frame bars I land I2is provided witlra Arow `of boltreceiving holes or openings `Il whichare drilled through the thick portion ofthe frame bars and are spacedexactly one inch apart. The measuring or sizing holes I'I, in the lowerframe bars, are consecutively numbered from `1 to 92 starting at theleft end of the lowervframe sectionandcontinuing totheright.Y Engagedthroughtthe backs of the grooved portionsofthe lower frame bars II andI2, and having the pointed receiving ends thereof projecting into `thegrooves I3 of said bars, are a plurality of stretcher pins I8 one of`whichis positioned` adjacent each of the sizing holes II `as clearlyillustrated in Figures l and 2.

. The two lower curtain stretcher frame bars II and I2 are adaptedto bepivotally swung up`- wardly into` substantially parallel relation withthe standard I to permit the upper ends thereof to seat in achannel'bracket or pocket I9 secured to the standard I as shown inFigure 2.

From the foregoing description it will be noted thatlthe lower frameSection of the curtain stretcher is collapsible and is also adapted tobe slidably adjusted upwardly from the lower end of the guide groove 2toward the upper end thereof, when-the clamping bolt 6 is released. Thisadjustable supporting ofthe lower frame `unit is to permit curtains ofdifferent widths to be stretched.

Permanently but adjustably connected to the upper end of the easelstandard I is anupper curtain frame section including a hinge unitcomprising a main hinge platel 20` which is of `Substantially triangularform and has one margin `stretcher frame bar 25 which is held in thechannel 2i by means of retaining `bolts or rivets 2S. Rigidly secured tothe auxiliary hinge plate 23, by means of retaining bolts or rivets 2l,is the inner end of a second top frame bar 28. Each of the upper framebars 25 and 28 are also cut out or shaped in the form of a molding bycutting a groove I3 therein through which curtain stretcher pins I8project. Each of the upper frame bars 25 and 28 are also provided with`a row of sizing holes or openings I'Lwhich are spaced exactly one inchapart, and said sizing holes are numbered starting from the left-handend ofthe upper frame unit with the numberl and continuing consecutivelyacrossthe frame unit with the last hole being identified by the numeral92. While the sizing holes of the upper and lower frame sections havebeen numbered `from 1 to 92 for a `maximum length of curtain of Figure2, wherein the lower portions of the upper `bars 25` and 28 areadaptedto `seat in the angle 52 (brackets iliirofl :the ylower fbarsftherebly supporting l'both the lower ifframe fbars.: and "the upperaframe :bars in vcollapsedposition :fon .the intermediate .easel, ywhichis of .the=se1f.supporting type `when `the reasel fleg .5 is fextendedrearwardlynaslshown 'IKE/Figure 3.

/fli'or the "purposes fof permitting the outer .ends :of the lowerframe-'bar tl rand the .upper frame @bar ,'25 'to be releasablyconnected :to .a sleit end 'fsection .of the fcurtain stretcher, each`of Lsaid iframe barshasrigidly bolted .-to .the :bac-k thereof"arconnectingpla-te 29 having -.an aperture ,therein fior receiving a,connecting bolt as .hereinafter :more fully described.

When the improved .curtainrstretcherzis'to :be set up for use, the.middleiormain un'itisfset up trst, This is donebymerelymovingathe`easel .leg Efinto the `open position .illustrated in Fig.- .ure l 3thereby permitting the middle standard v1I to lbe supportedlby the footand therleg-lina slightly inclined position. The 'top frame .bars 25 and28 which formxtheetop longitudinal mem- Ybor. of /the'framearefrstswung'from .the fullline Ipositions `of FigureBNupwardly into thedotted fline 1positions. lWhen the "upper iframe `:bars .125 land .,2'8Iare moved into curtain stretching :posi- @tion thelinner endof .thetop-.bar :2:8 vis engaged in the .channelzI'ofthe-.hinge.unitztherebyalign- .ingtheltwo top'frame bats.25 randt28, as-shown .-in Vfullilines inFigure :1, ato '.hold .the top iframebars 25 and 28 in horizontal alignment. A fwing bolt -30 isv eng-aged4"through registering'zapertures linthe-hinge iplates f2.0-1'an'd-ii23and through auxeceiving opening-.inthe uppergiportion Aoffthernain*supporting standard I .the locking vbolt 30; `the ft-wo .upper lframebars fare .rig-idly `held fin extended 'p'osition ready/'for use.

lAfter the upper fram'eibars are extended into :curtain stretching;.positiomtheitwohinge'dly connected lower framefbars -sl l and |2 are-lpivotally swung downwardly *from Sthe full line Lpositons illustrated.in :Figure 12intothei dotted yline fpositions of :said -guretherebylpermitting 'the inner :endof thellower horizontaliframebar|'2fto'seat in thelchannelB-ofntheshinge pl'atef'ltov'align the twolower -frame bars -in @a horizontal position substantially parallel tothe upper stretcher Aframe member. :After 'thett-.wo'y lower frameforming bars Il and l2 havefbeen moved yinto their open .curtainstretchingsposition; the :entire lower frame unit may besliclablyfadjusted upwardly on .lthednain4 standard-.I by looseningthefllockingbolt A6 to =.per-rnit the samertoslidein the fgroove'2 untilthe Y lower yframef` member :is Tin a selected A.position 4to define' apredetermined-width between atheupper Aand lower frame sectionsff thecurtain stretcher. Aftery the lower-"frame lsection isf setL in ,.aldesired position, the locking boit is l tightened 4to-'hold the lowerfra-me section clamped in place.

eWith-Ithe. two-upper andfilowerY framelsections :Qfmhecurtainstretcher:moved-finto their open ,positions as-` described, tithe"left-hand -unit'- ofi the .stretcher frame iswadaptedi'tolibeiq-uickly' and se- `curely attachedto-.t-he connectingfpla-tes iZSisbymea-nstof a wing-bolt-z or otherfsuitable securing devices such as anupper clamping boltI-'and-ia lower clamping bolt 32.

--The left lend -u-nit :of the `curtain stretcher., frame With ,the:tightening 'Of l comprisesca side frame-barili() whichisralsolrm formedWith a .curtain `stretcher :groove '|13 .throughvfwhchfsidecurtainfstretcher spins-18, pr .jectforwardly .in-to .thergroove Thexside frame Mbar.r 33 v is a1so,-provided with aiplurality of spaced@11er-1661 Sizing #holes "vor i openings :'.l 1 which are .15

spaced. one :inch apart :and `1=eeister lwit-h `theside stretcherpins d8in fthe'side bar The 4sizing holes I-'l are consecutively numberedstarting from the ytop 'and continuing downwardly read ing `from I1 ito.54 lwhich l determines the maximum -Width of .ra-.c-urtainewhich can bestretched'onithe stretcher. If desired, .ftheleft end frame ban-33 maylne-made. longer -to accommodate :more sizing openingsfto .permitylarger curtains to be stretched if: necessary. The ,left .end sideframe fm'emberaor -.bar 33 is of i:the same lengthas theimainstandardl,.;including the `foot 3 ,l-sogthatt'he lowerfend .of the `side ibar ormember ,'33 may serve .as fa vsupporting foot for the l'left-.hand sideof fthe zframe. i

Boltedor otherwisefsecured 'to the back of .the side lframe member.3.3.is a .bracketll .to Whichfthe .iupperaendzof an-leasel .leg 5 :ispivotallyf supported. The-upper .endbf .the leg 5,'oi -the side :member:33, istchamfered or beveled to permit thelegsazon the -backs of themain orintermediatestandard fl :andthe -side iframe .member33 to belextended rrearwardly to brace .the stretcher 'frameinmosh tion. `Bybolting theupper endsofthe side frame member 33 .to the top yconnectinglplate `29,1;he curtain frame bars 125-andf33 may `.be rigidly clampedtogether by means of the bolt '-.3\|4so:that zthepins, in the side frame-bar eahefdispose'd fin the sameplanepas the stretcherzpinsi-mboth `theupper( and .lower horizontal -frame .sections ofthe ldevice land. :witha pin in ,exactly Aeac11;corner of .the frame. .The connectingfplateyl@of fthelnwe-r `frame bar H .is adapted to be connected -byxmeans ofA thebolt 32 through any one lof the ysizing .openings Hin `the bar 33depending A.upon the horizontal ,positioning of ,thelower frame mem-.ber fora selectediW-idtn ofgcurtain.

-ltwill thus be noted that .aniimproved-curtain .stretcher is lprovidedin which thefiframe .-so .constructed that.` the upper anddeft -fendmembers .of thelframe are :adapted .to be ,releasably bolted 01.Isecured ltogether by ysimple fastening means ,and in Which'the lower.horizontal member of fthe frame is adjustable on thexstandard `:Landohithfe .side framefmember 33 toward-.or away .-fromjthe .uppers-framemember gto determine the lWidth fof curtains to bestretched. n

.One of the important features of the f improved .curtain stretcher istheflconstruction of'theirright fend..frame .unit which isillustrated-indetail.in Heures-.4,5 andf.- The right Aend frameunit of-theeaselrtype and comprises a-right end `meni- :ber-or barlll which is.of ".thefsamelength as the letter-1d bar for memberA 33 andfisiprovided'with vgarow-.of=sizing holes or openings I1 spaced one finchfapart andextending lthrougha-i-d bar 324. The" sizingrholes. :in therightiendfbar. L34 are num- Jaered downwardly; jstartingiwith :1, atthetopwith Mrthe .last i hole i being numbered *54:to vindicatezthe:.niaximurn rwidth to lewhich curtains can be :stretched'on thei frame.If Widerv curtains :arezto cbelstretched, it Willxne'cessitateprovidingitrans- `fyerse frame members whichare longer.

The right .end -frame Libar. or imem'b'er l`34 *is @adapted :to be.releasably secured :to 'the righthandzend sofi the atop Aframe barflf`and the "lower "frame bar l2.:by clampingfbolts 3`5rand--36respectively. 'Thef upper 1 and flower end portions of `the.rrghtehandwsidebar 34 are-engaged behindthe iupperfandf lower framemembers and sadfbar 31 :issfadaptedtto be. securely locked in place on"the r@horizontal iframe members to v"determine the length:'off'theccurtains vto be stretched-by 'inserte ing the upper andlowerbolts3-5 andl3`6 through the feas'ily `vselected 4Ucorrectlynumbered sizing holes I1 of the upper and lower frame members. Theposition of the right-hand bar may be set in the extreme positionillustrated in Figure 1 or in a position of adjustment nearer theleft-hand bar 33 for stretching a curtain of less length according tothe arrangement illustrated in Figure 4.

Adjustably mounted upon the right end frame bar 34 is a rotatablysupported curtain stretcher unit comprising a rod or shaft 31 which isrotatably supported in bearing brackets 38, two of which are rigidlysecured to the right end curtain :frame bar 34 as clearly illustrated inFigure 6. A stop ring 39 is integrally or rigidly secured upon the upperportion of the control rod 31 and rests upon the upper supportingbracket 33 to hold the rod in position.

The upper end of the control rod 31 is bent over at right angles to forman operating handle 40. The control rod 31 is mounted adjacent the outeredge or side of the right end` frame bar 34 and has pivotally supportedthereon a plurality of curtainstretcher keys` or blocks .4| which areseparated from one another by means of thin friction washers 42. Each ofthe stretcher keys or blocks 4I is providedywitha notch or groove 43.Engaged through each of the stretcher keys or blocks 4| `fromthe `backthereof is a curtain stretcher pin I8 `which projects into the groove43` of the key. The pins I8 engaged in the keys 4I as well as thepins I8`in the other frame members havelthe shank portions below the heads ofthe pins toothed or knurled so that after the stretcher pinsare driveninto position they will not work their way out of the keys or framebars.

i The stretcher pins I8 carried by the keys 4l are spaced one inch apartand are positioned to register with the holes or openings `I1 in theright end frameibar 34. For the purpose of frictionally holding thecurtain stretcher keys 4I in contact with one another so that all. ofthe keys may be simultaneously swung by the rotation of the control rod31, a coil supporting spring 44 is engaged around the lower portion ofthe rod 31 between the lower face of the lowermostkey 4I and the lowerbracket 38 as illustrated in Figure 6. Also engaged around the controlrod 31 is an upper coil spring 45 which has the upper end thereof seatedagainst the upper lbracket 38 while `the lowerv end` of the spring 45 isseated against the top surfaceof the uppermost key 4 i. The springs 44and 45 are so constructed that they work in opposite directions and holdthe keys 4I and the separating washers 42 in frlctional contact withone; another so that all of the keys may be simultaneously swung `'fromtheir open positions as illustrated in dotted lines in Figure4 to closedcurtain stretching positions as illustrated in full lines `in saidligure.` When the keys are thrown into the full linepositionsillustratedin Figures `hand 4 the `row of curtain stretcher pins I3`car-l riedfbythe keys 'are all positioned in alignment with one anotherand are all disposed in the same plane with the stretcher pins I8 in theother three members frame. When `the four frame members are connected,the pins are all in the same planeand with located in exactly eachvcorner of the set up'frame': Il'l'or the purpose of holding thecontrolrod 31 in propel' alignment against bending; an intermediatebearing bracket 38 is secured to the right end'frame bar`34.` Saidbracket is formed with aniapertured plate through which the rod 31projects.` i i i i i l For the purposevof supporting the. right endconstituting the curtain stretcher frame unit of the curtain stretcher,the right end curtain frame bar 34 has secured on the back thereof achannel-shaped bracket 4 in which the upper end of an easel leg 5 ispivotally supported as illustrated in Figure 5. It will thus be notedthat when the frame is set up for use the three easel legs 5, which arepivotally attached to the frame members l, 33 and 34, are swungrearwardly from said members into bracing positions. The entirestretcher frame is thus supported in an inclined position ready to havecurtains accurately stretched thereon to a predetermined size dependingupon the adjustment of the lower frame member and the right-hand endframe member with respectto the remaining two frame members. The fullline positions of the lower and right-hand members illustrated in Figure1 shows the stretcher frame set up for a maximum curtain stretchingsize. In the position of the adjustable frame members illustrated indotted lines in Figure l, the frame iszset for stretching curtains ofless `width and lesslength than the maximum size for which the stretcheris designed."

o Attention is called to Figure 4 of the drawings which shows a set` upfor .the stretching of curtains l of a determined width and length. Tostretch a curtain of` less widththan Ithe full width for which thecurtain stretcher frame is designed, the clamping bolt `6 ofthe `lowerframe member is `released and the llower frame member is slidably movedupwardly .from the` full line position of `Figure l into thedotted lineposition until the ends of the lower frame bars II and I2 register withthe `sizing openings I1 in the side bars 33 and 34 of the frame. Attheltime that the lower l frame member is adjusted the control rod31, ofthe right end frame unit, is swung to move the stretcher keys intoithedotted line positions illustrated in Figure 4 so that the individuallynumbered sizing holes I1 in the bar 34 are exposed to permit the bolts`32 `and 36 of the lower framemember to be inserted in the respectiveselected sizing holes I1 of the side bars 33 and 34. Such a positioningof the lower frame member will permit curtains to be stretched to theselected width and to the full length of the curtain frame. The upperand lower frame members `are bolted to the bar 34 by` means of the upperclamping bolt 35 and the lower clamping bolt 36 which are engagedthrough the last openings of said upper and lower frame members `to setthe curtain stretcher for a selected width lessthan the maximum width ofthe curtain stretcher adjustment and for the full stretching lengthofthe frame.

After the curtain frame bar 34is bolted in position as described, thehandle 40 of the control rod 31 is rotated to simultaneously move all ofthe stretcher keys 4I from thedotted line open positions over intocurtain stretching positions in contact with the `front surface of thebar 34.

In case a curtain is to be stretched to a length less `than the maximumlength of the curtain stretcher frame, it is only necessary to swing allof the stretcher keys into their open retracted positions and then slidethe fright end curtain frame bar 34 into a predetermined adjustedposition for the length. of curtain desired which is easily determinedby., simply selecting the correctly. numbered` sizing` holes in the topand bottom frame members.` The upper and lower clamping bclts35 `and 33respectively are then engaged through the selected sizing holes and aresecurely bolted in place by the wing nuts to set the frame for therequired shortened length. The.

control. `rod 31 isnow` rotated to simultaneously swing the stretcherkeys to their stretching posie tions resting upon the front face oi thebar 34 with the exception of' two keys which are prevented from beingrotated due to the adjusted positioning oi the lowerframe bar' I2 whichacts as a stop for the two keysas illustrated in Figure 10.

It will thus be noted that' the improved curtain stretcher frame may besimply and quickly adj-usted by means of theV clamping bolts and theindividually designated sizing holes l1, in the various frame members,so that no particular skill or degree of 'intelligence is required forperfectly` setting up a frame fora definite size of curtain: stretching.The sizing of. the frame may thus be readily accomplished in a veryshort time with ease' and' celerity for stretching curtains to anydesired width and length within the limits of the' frame.

Referring now to Figures 1'1 to 18 inclusive', a modified form ofcurtain stretcher is' illustrated which is substantially' like thecurtain stretcher illustrated in Figures l' to' 10 inclusive, with theexception that the upper, lower and left end framev members areI ofslightly different cone struction with respect to the location of theindividually designated sizing hol'es. Another differenceisfin.r theprovision of permanent clamp-v ingunits'for the corners' of theadjustable curtain stretcher fra-me, which clamping units are adapted tobe permanently carried by certain of the frame members instead of theremovable clamping bolts such as used in the securing t'og'ether of the1frame members' of the curtain 'stretcher illustrated in Figure 1.

In the modified form of curtain stretcher the yparts which are the sameas those illustrated in Figure 1r will be identified by the samereference numerals. In th'e modified formk of framev the top framemember consists of two top frame bars 46 and 41 the adjacent ends' ofwhich are secured toh'inge plates 20' and 23V` respectively ofthe upperhinge unit carriedy on the upper portion ofA the intermediate or m'ainstandard I. Each of the upper frame bars et and 4T is provided with arow of spaced sizing holes illustrated in Figures 'I1- and 114. The'sizing openings 48 are spaced one inch' apart with thefirst sizingopening on the left end of the member 4&5v arranged so that it will bespaced one' inch from' the upper stretcher pin IB in the' left endV sideframe bar 49 of the modified form of stretcher frame. The sizingopenings 48 in the frame members 46 and' 41 are numbered consecutivelyfrom 1' to 92' as' a convenience lor adjusting the frame' for stretchinga curtain to a ,predetermined or selected length.

The left end frame bar' 49 is provided with sizing holes 50' in theoutside face thereof. Rigidly secured to the back of the' top left endframe member 46 is one end of an angle bracket having ahead. 52 whichis' provided with an Yinternally' threaded opening through which aclamping bolt 53 is threaded. vThe inner rend of 'the bolt 53 is'provided with a stop' ring 54 rigidly formed a short distance from theend of the screw bolt shank to leave a' clamping stud 55 which isadapted` to project' into the uppermost hole 50 in the end'bar t9 tohold the end bar rigidly clamped `against the outer end of the top framebar 46 when the' clamping bolt v5? is threaded inwardly until the stopring 54 tightly presses against the :side surface of the side frame bar49 as indicated in. dotted lines in Figure 11. It will thus be seen thata device has been provided for securing the frame' members 4'6 and 49"together by a clamping 1:2 device which is permanently carried by theeframe member 45.

Inthe modied form' of frameV the lower frame member consists of twolower frame barsf 56 which are respectively connected to. hinge plates1f' and 9 similar to'y the arrangement illustrated in Figure 1. Each ofthe lower frame bars 56 is cut out to form at groove I3 intofwhich thecurtain stretcher pins i8 project. Eachf of the lowerA frame bars 56 isalso provided withv a; plurality of sizing' holes 5:1 in the bottom facethereof spaced one inch'4 apart to' register with the stretcher pins i3.The outer or left-hand end of. the lower left frame bar 5B has rigidlysecured on.- the back' thereof. an' angle bracket 5ft provided with. aclamping bolt 53 similar to the arrangement' for the upper frame memberillustrated in Figures 11v and 12'. A permanent' clamping device forvsecuring thellower end' of the left end fra-me .bar 49 to one end of thelower left-hand frame bar 56y is thus also provided and eliminatesanydanger" of the frame' clamping member froml becoming detached andlost.

The changed form of curtain stretcher frame is completed by'a right endframe' unit compris'- ing a right end' frame bar' 58 the'l front' faceof which is provided with. a plurality ofV spaced aligned sizingholes'5'9 which are spaced one inch apart. and aire properlyidenti'hedr'by' a series of identincation numbers' placed" convenientlyon the iront face of' they left side frame bar 58. The identificationnumberson the frame' bar 58 start at the upper vend and continuedownwardly', said identiiicati'on numbers ranging from 1' to 54 for acurtain stretcher trame designedfor'stretching curtains to ain'axi'mum'width of 54 inches.

A control rod andv curtain stretcher keys or blocksfii'are furnished forthe right end frame unit similar 'to' the' arrangement' illustrated inFigure 1. The' upper portion of'the control rod 3l projects throughapertures provided in a pair of spaced lugs or ears t' forming anintegral part of oneiian'geol an upper clamping bracket which includes achannel-shape'dbody section 6I` which engages around' the back of theupper portion of the side frame' bar 58 and is rigidly secured theretoby means of 'screws' or other suitable means. Integrally )formed on oneside of the channel-shaped body section'lil" of the clamping bracketr isan auxiliary' or' top frameI barv clamp'- ing unit consisting of a plateor flange 62' dis'- posed at right angles to one side' ofthe vchannelbody section GI and' projecting' above the' same. vThe upper portion ofthe plate" 62 is bent outwardlyv at right angles to` provide a topflange 63' having' an internally threaded collar through which aclamping bolt 64' is threaded. Inte'- gra'lly formed on the' lowerportion of the threaded shank ofthe clamping bolt' 64 is a stop ring 65above a plain stud tt', which when the bolt is threaded downwardly, ispermitted to seat in one of the sizing' holesv 48' with the stop ring 65tightly' threaded againstfthei upper facev of the top surface of the'top frame bar 4'1 to hold the bar tl rigidly clampedy to the upperportion 'of the right end frame bar 58. It willv thus be noted that aframe clamping unit for releas'ably con-'- necting thev upper' end'ofthe right end frame' bar 58 to the upper' frame bar 41 is permanentlycarried on the'I end frame bar 58 to obviate misplacement or loss of theclamping means, which sometimes occurs when removable clamping bolts areused. The auxiliary clamping plate 62' has the lower end thereof bentoutwardly to form a stop iiange 61 against whichv the lower face of thetop stretcher frame bar His adapted to frame bar 5B.

seat, as illustrated in Figure 15 when the frame members forming theupper right-hand corner of the curtain stretcher frame are clampedtogether.

For the purpose of clamping the lower portion of the right end frame bar58 to the right end portion of the lower frame bar 55, a lower clampingunit is slidably engaged on the frame bar 58 and comprises twointegrally connected substantially channel-shaped members disposed atsub-i stantially right angles to one another. One of the channel-shapedmembers is adapted to be engaged on the end frame bar 58 and comprisesalbracket strip or plate 68 provided with an integral back `flange iisdisposed at right angles to the plate 68. The bracket plate 6B isadapted to seat against the inner side of the frame bar 58 while theflange 69 seats against the back surface of said bar as illustrated inFigure 15. Integrally formed at right angles to the front end of `theplate tais asfront flange l which` is formed with an internally threadedsleeve or collar'll through which a clamping bolt 'l2 is threaded. Astop ring or circular flange 'I3 is integrally formed on the `threadedshank of the bolt` l2. to the insideof a plain tip or stud 14 which whenthebolt 1.2 is threaded inwardly is adapted to engage in `one of theholes 59 .of the bar 58 to hold the corner` clamping bracket secured ina predetermined set position on the right end frame bar 58. Integrallyformed at right angles to one` edge of thebracket plate 68 is abracketsection which is shaped to be slidably engaged on the lower rightend frame bar 56 as shown in Figure `18. The lower frame bar bracketsection comprises a back plate l5, a `short top flange 'lli formed at`right angles thereto adapted to seat against the top edge of the bar56. Integrally formed at right angles to the `lower end of ithe backplate 15 is a bottom plate 'l1 having an openingtherein to register withone of the bottom holes 51 of` the bar 5t.` A front flange 'i8 isintegrally formed on the front end and at right angles to the bottomplate 11 and seats against `the iront surface of the lower portion of`the lower frame bar t. Integrally formed atright angles to the secondedge of the bracket plate Gli and opposite the bracket bottom plate 11isa bolt supporting flangel havingintegrally formedv thereon aninternally threaded colla-r or sleeve 8l! through which a clamping bolt8l `is adjust-ably threaded.` The clamping bolt 8| is provided withanintegral stop flange or ring 82 formed around the inner endof` a plaintip or stud 33. The plain stud 83 of the clamping bolt 8l ispositionedso `that it can project through the` opening in the bracketbottom plate ll and projecting into a selected oneof the sizing holes 5lprovided in the bottom `surface of the `lower It will thus be noted thatthe lower right-hand corner frame bracket maybe slidably adjusted on thelower frame bar 56 and may alsobe adjusted vertically on the right endframe bar 58 to permit the modified form of curtain stretcherframe to beadjusted for stretching curtains of different lengths widths.4 In themodified form of `curtain stretchenillustrated land described, the mainsupporting standard as well as the side frame members 49 and 58 are eachprovided witha pivoted easel type leg similar to the arrangementprovided for the. curtain stretcher illustrated in Figure 1. s i

It` will thus be noted `that an `improved and simplified form `oicurtain stretcher has been providedwherein the upper and lower frame`forming members are pivotally or `hingedly supported on the middle orintermediate standard of the curtain stretcher which is adapted to beselfsupported by merely opening the easel leg attached to the` backthereof.- This arrangement permits the 1 `upper and ;lower frame formingmembers to be `pivotally swung into curtain stretching position ready tohave the end frame units attached thereto. Another important feature is`the arrangement whereby the lower frame member and the right end frameunit may be adjusted with respect to one another and with respect to the"top frame member to permit curtains of diierent sizes to be stretchedon the curtain stretcherpins of the various frame members, all of saidpins being disposed in the same plane with a pin located in each of theframe corners.

The novel arrangement of individually numbering or otherwise identifyingeach of the sizing holes in the four frame members permits the frame to;be quickly and positively adjusted and assembled to a predeterminedlength `and width by means of the corner clamping units for either formsof curtain stretcher described.

It is to be `understood that various details and features of the`construction may be varied through a wide range without departing fromthe principlesof this invention, and it is, therefore, not the purposeto limit the patent granted hereon otherwise than necessitated by thescope of the appended claims.` i -I claim asmy invention:

1 1. A collapsible type of curtain stretcher comprising `endframemembers, leg means engaged thereon for bracing the frame members inposi-, tion to assist in supporting the curtain stretcher, aself-supporting intermediate supporting unit, upper and lowercollapsible `frame members pivotally supported on the intermediate unit,means for adjusting and then `locking one of saidcollapsible framemembers in extended position on thesupporting unit, means for lockingthe other of said collapsible `frame members in extended position onsaid intermediate supporting unit, clamping means connecting one of saidend frame members to the extended upper and lower collapsible framemembers, clamping means for clamping the other end frame member inadjusted position on thecollapsible upper and lower frame members toform a curtain stretcher frame of a predetermined size, said collapsibleupper and lower frame members and the left and right end frame membershaving openings therein for selectively receiving the clamping means forproperly i i sizing the curtain frame, curtain stretcher pins carried bythe left end frame member and the collapsible upper and lower framemembers l in registering relationship with the openings in said membersand all disposed in the same plane when the frame members are assembled,a control rod rotatably supported on the right end frame member, and apluralityof spring controlled frictionally contacting pin carrying `keysrotatably supported on the control rod and adapted to be simultaneouslymoved into an l open` position to permit the right end frame member tobe` secured to the collapsible upper and lower frame members, said pincarrying keys adapted tobe simultaneously rotated to seat on the frontface of the right end member to hold the pins on thekeys in curtainstretching position in the same plane as the pins in the ref mainingframe forming members.

2. `A` collapsible type of curtain stretcher comprising` upper, lowerand end frame members 17 to be simultaneously moved into retractedpositions by the rotation of the control rod in one direction and alsoadapted to be simultaneously moved into curtain stretching positionsupon the frame bar with the rotation of the control rod in an oppositedirection.

8. In a collapsible type of curtain stretcher a frame comprising threepin carrying frame members connected to form three sides of a stretcherframe with the pins on said members all disposed in the same plane, saidpin carrying frame members having numbered sizing openings therein and afourth frame unit comprising a frame bar having numbered sizing openingstherein, clamping mechanisms for engaging selected sizing openings toclamp the end frame bar to two of the three frame members to form astretcher frame of a predetermined size, spring controlled pin carryingstretcher blocks, and means for adjustably supporting the blocks on saidframe bar and for moving the blocks to position the pins thereon in theplane of the pins of the remaining three frame members to provide astretcher frame wherein all of the pins are disposed in the same planeand wherein the four corners of the frame each has a stretcher pinengaged therein.

9. A curtain stretcher comprising a frame constructed of four framesections, pins rigidly secured on three of said frame sections and alldisposed in the same plane, pin carrying supports rotatably carried bythe fourth frame section, means for rotating said supports to positionthe pins thereon in the plane of the pins on the three` frame sections,separators between said supports, and spring means for holding theseparators and supports in frictional contact with one another tofacilitate selective operation of the pin carrying supports.

18 10. A curtain stretcher comprising a frame constructed of four framesections, three of which have stretcher pins rigidly secured thereonWith all of said pins disposed in the same plane, the fourth framesection having stretcher pin carrying supports rotatably supportedthereon in frictional contact with one another to permit the pinsupports to be moved collectively or individually to position the pinsthereon in the planes of the pins on the other three frame sectionsafter the fourth frame section is secured in place, and springs on thefourth frame section for resiliently forcing the pin supports on saidfourth frame section into frictional contact with one another fromopposite directions to facilitate selective operation thereof.

JAMES J. DVORAK.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 540,783 Eno June 11, 1895 905,471Smith Dec. 1, 1908 1,022,737 I-Iolmquist Apr. 19, 1912 1,039,053 HarperSept. 17, 1912 1,060,829 Edman May 6, 1913 1,556,527 Kreiger Oct. 6,1925 1,573,562 Miersma Feb. 16, 1926 1,799,001 Carter, Jr. Mar. 31, 19312,091,765 McKee Aug. 31, 1937 2,205,820 McBryde June 25, 1940 2,217,004Carlson Oct. 8, 1940 2,228,645 ASchmitz Jan. 14, 1941 2,309,076 MorandoJan. 19, 1943 2,318,288 Bulger -1--- May 4, 1943

